Tickets Available For South Side Irish Parade Pre-Event Fundraiser

The South Side Irish Parade Committee will host a pre-parade fundraiser for the annual community event. The fundraiser is set for Friday, February 15, 2013 from 7 p.m. to midnight at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 West 115th Street in Merrionette Park.

Tickets for the pre-parade fundraiser are $30 per ticket and include dinner buffet, beer and soft drink beverages.  The evening will also feature performances of traditional and Irish rock music by the Matt Ladd Band and Sean and Charlie.

Event proceeds will help offset the increased costs of hosting the parade that last year attracted over 150,000 spectators and participants to the neighborhood celebration of Irish heritage. 

“The Pre-Parade party is a great way for everyone to show support as we raise the much needed funds required to present this 34th annual March of Tradition on Western Avenue. The South Side Irish Parade is steeped with tradition, heritage and a wonderful display of local community coming together for the celebration,” said Joe Connelly, co-chair of the parade committee. 

“Another way to get involved is to consider showcasing your family’s heritage and purchase a South Side Irish Banner that will be proudly displayed for the month of March along the Parade Route, which this year will also include 111th Street into Mount Greenwood. The proceeds also support the growing costs of the parade,” adds Connelly. 

The street pole banners are personalized for each family. Often, families have used them to celebrate a special anniversary or honor a loved one. Cost of a new family banner is $225 and includes professional hanging and a miniature banner suitable for framing or display at home. 

Supporters of the pre-parade event will have a chance to purchase grand raffle tickets for the  “Luck of the Irish” prize of $10,000 and other cash prizes. Tickets are also available at the South Side Irish Store and through committee members. Parade branded merchandise will be available for purchase, as well as an opportunity to buy your Family Banner.  

“We welcome everyone in our efforts to present this annual tradition," said Kevin Coakley, Co-Chair of the South Side Irish Parade Committee. "We can’t do it alone, and so invite community volunteers to help with pre-parade events, offer to serve as parade day Marshalls, or even spread the word amongst friends and family of the importance of safety and a family friendly atmosphere on parade day." 

The 2013 South Side Irish Parade is scheduled to step off on Sunday, March 10 at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue. The parade, which first took place in 1979, is considered the largest neighborhood-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Dublin.

New to the parade festivities this year is the Emerald Isle Mile, a one mile run beginning at 11 a.m. at Kennedy Park, 11320 S. Western Avenue, and ending at Running Excels, located at 104th and Western near the Parade’s stepping off point. Runners will have an opportunity to march in the Parade following the race.

Tickets for the pre-parade fundraiser are available at the door and also a at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5138120256. For more information about event tickets, raffle tickets or how to get involved as a volunteer, email info@southsideirishparade.org. 

For more details or to purchase Family Banners contact Jim McKeever at 773-972-6264 or email jg.mckeever@att.net, or stop in at the South Side Irish Parade Store located at 10934 South Western Avenue. 

For more information on the Emerald Isle Run contact Running Excels at 773-629-8587 or seewww.runningexcels.com